There have been more than a few people seemingly unhappy with Derrick in one way or another, even calling for him to be benched at times. Walton has been absolutely instrumental in our turnaround during conference play. In fact, it hasn’t been Nik, Caris, or Gr3 that have made the winning plays during our biggest games of the year, it has been none other than Derrick himself making big plays in crunch time vs both MSU and OSU on the road. On top of that, the kid is a freshman doing things that not even Trey Burke could accomplish.
I’ve said it from day 1, the kid is going to be a very good player at Michigan, and I fully expect him to be an all big ten type player next year. After seeing this performance from Derrick today, I think questioning Derrick’s ability to lead the team is an excercise in futility. Derrick has earned the respect, let’s give the man his props.
I agree 100%. What a terrific young man. I’m sure his parents are incredibly proud of him on so many levels, just as ALL Michigan fans should be proud of him as well!
I get pretty upset with Michigan “fans” who criticize any of our players. They work so hard at their craft and care more, quite honestly, than any of us. They find themselves in places most of us have never been and, quite frankly, couldn’t handle nearly as well. These kids deserve our respect and support not our criticism. I find it difficult to believe anyone would criticize a freshman who is replacing the National Player of the Year and now an NBA star, and who gives his best effort everyday in practice and games. Derrick is learning from the good and the occasional not so good and is getting better everyday. DWJ, like all of our kids, is truly special and deserves our support!
I am a huge Walton fan, but I’m also a fan of our other players. And other guys have made big plays in crunch time. For instance, Nik went for 23-4-4 at the Kohl Center and hit kind of a big shot late, if you recall. He tore up Iowa at home, was tied for our leading scorer at the Breslin (including setting the tone early and his big go-ahead 3), and was our leading scorer in Columbus. Caris went for 20-7-6 at Wiscy (DW went for 2-2-2 there, so it wasn’t his best game) and 18-7-3 at Breslin and kept us in the game at times and assisted the two big buckets after the 60-60 tie. And DW and others benefit from all the attention given to Nik and GRIII, who had 5 big points late just last night. So, I’m as down with Walton as anybody, but other guys are, uh, doing some good things too.
I've said it from day 1, the kid is going to be a very good player at Michigan, and I fully expect him to be an all big ten type player next year. After seeing this performance from Derrick today, I think questioning Derrick's ability to lead the team is an excercise in futility. Derrick has earned the respect, let's give the man his props.
I've said it from day 1, the kid is going to be a very good player at Michigan, and I fully expect him to be an all big ten type player next year. After seeing this performance from Derrick today, I think questioning Derrick's ability to lead the team is an excercise in futility. Derrick has earned the respect, let's give the man his props.
You heard it here first, folks!
Do I detect a bit of jealousy in the air? Not everyone has the foresight that I have, it’s an inherent gift. All kidding aside, I didn’t intend the post to be a knock on any of our other players, just thought Walton needed some well deserved props because he has been the subject of a lot of complaining. Considering he’s had some of the bigger moments this year, in particular on the road, it was worth a mention in my view.
I've said it from day 1, the kid is going to be a very good player at Michigan, and I fully expect him to be an all big ten type player next year. After seeing this performance from Derrick today, I think questioning Derrick's ability to lead the team is an excercise in futility. Derrick has earned the respect, let's give the man his props.
You heard it here first, folks!
Do I detect a bit of jealousy in the air? Not everyone has the foresight that I have, it’s an inherent gift. All kidding aside, I didn’t intend the post to be a knock on any of our other players, just thought Walton needed some well deserved props because he has been the subject of a lot of complaining. Considering he’s had some of the bigger moments this year, in particular on the road, it was worth a mention in my view.
I’m just wondering if you can give me the 2014 NCAA Bracket results so I can take a billion dollars from Warren Buffett.
I have a harder time recalling who was giving Walton flak on these forums. Unless of course you are referring to elsewhere. I had high hopes for Walton coming in, and so far he has exceeded them. The development of freshmen at UM over one season has been a sight to behold these past couple of years. I remember when the discussion on this blog was which 2013 PG offer they wanted (Jackson, Morris, or Walton). I’d have to say so far signs point to us getting a good one.
I've said it from day 1, the kid is going to be a very good player at Michigan, and I fully expect him to be an all big ten type player next year. After seeing this performance from Derrick today, I think questioning Derrick's ability to lead the team is an excercise in futility. Derrick has earned the respect, let's give the man his props.
You heard it here first, folks!
Do I detect a bit of jealousy in the air? Not everyone has the foresight that I have, it’s an inherent gift. All kidding aside, I didn’t intend the post to be a knock on any of our other players, just thought Walton needed some well deserved props because he has been the subject of a lot of complaining. Considering he’s had some of the bigger moments this year, in particular on the road, it was worth a mention in my view.
I’m just wondering if you can give me the 2014 NCAA Bracket results so I can take a billion dollars from Warren Buffett.
When the brackets are announced I’ll give you my final four picks and fill out your bracket. You’ll learn something and make a few bucks in the office pool. One stipulation - I receive 10% of all winnings. Thank me in advance.
I’ve always been high on Walton, too. On a different Michigan board I post on (football board), some people started a thread last month calling out Walton Jr. They were saying that the offense runs better with Spike and Spike should be getting more minutes. I could not convince them:
-How much higher Michigan’s ceiling is with Walton at the PG,
-How Walton was a true freshman and was going to make freshman mistakes,
-Walton was never play bad. He was on pace for Big Ten All-Freshmen team even before this breakout stretch.
I think most of the people that read Dylan and Joe’s articles in the off-season realized how special Walton had the potential to be.
How about giving me credit for this call… Going into last season, Michigan had two blue-chip recruits coming in (McGary and GRIII). I stressed and stressed that the biggest impact recruit of the class would Nik Stauskas, regardless of “stars” and rankings.
How about giving me credit for this call...... Going into last season, Michigan had two blue-chip recruits coming in (McGary and GRIII). I stressed and stressed that the biggest impact recruit of the class would Nik Stauskas, regardless of "stars" and rankings.
While Nik is definitely our go-to-guy this year and has really upped his game from last year, I think you may be undervaluing the impact that GRIII has had since he’s gotten here (he’s played severely out of position for the past 2 seasons) and of course, Mitch deserves as much credit as Trey does for our run in the tourney last year. Without the emergence of Mitch, we would’ve been bumped by Kansas easily. Might’ve lost vs. VCU as well.
GRIII playing severely out of position!
What position do u think he should be playing? Small forward? No. Small forwards should be able to beat their man off the dribble. GRIII is playing perfect 4 man spot. He is at his best around the bucket.